tl;dr academic rivals to lovers with important discussions about feminism, sexism, and intersectionality
Premise
Eliza Quan is the perfect candidate for editor in chief of her school paper. That is, until ex-jock Len DiMartile decides on a whim to run against her. Suddenly her vast qualifications mean squat because inexperienced Len—who is tall, handsome, and male—just seems more like a leader.
When Eliza’s frustration spills out in a viral essay, she finds herself inspiring a feminist movement she never meant to start, caught between those who believe she’s a gender equality champion and others who think she’s simply crying misogyny.
Amid this growing tension, the school asks Eliza and Len to work side by side to demonstrate civility. But as they get to know one another, Eliza feels increasingly trapped by a horrifying realization—she just might be falling for the face of the patriarchy himself.
Rating
5/5 stars
Review
just found a new book to not shut up about watch out everyone <3
this book has nudged its way into my list of favorites for sure. i started it less than 24 hours ago and amidst all the homework i had to get done this weekend, i absolutely sped through it.
despite the disclaimers that eliza was an "unlikable character", i absolutely loved her. yes, she is a bit prickly, but she reminded me a lot of myself at times and i really appreciated her growth throughout the novel. although she retains her sharp, headstrong nature, she embraces the aspects of her life that are changing and breaks down some of the walls she built up around herself without sacrificing her inner morals. she is unapologetically herself during this whole story and i think that's what makes it so authentic.
this book has very important discussions on feminism, sexism, and intersectionality. it tackles stereotypes head-on. it challenges views on what a feminist should and shouldn't be, and crafts this broader view of what a feminist is, not boxing in all feminists into one image. the book also discusses the model minority myth and feminism when it comes to immigrant families, and i thought it was very insightful.
i appreciate the commentary provided on some of the ways sexism has ingrained itself deeply in our society. the book remarks, “because everyone loves a girlboss until she tells you what to do” and i think that's very much true. even in the book, characters pointed out how for something as simple as clothing, a guy and a girl can wear the same thing and one is praised, one is shamed. a girl taking a stand is "bossy" but a guy doing the same is applauded for his leadership.
i saw myself a lot in this book, and it just made me love it even more.
now let's please take a second to acknowledge this book for the academic rivals to lovers masterpiece it is. SWOON. actually so cute. eliza & len's relationship (especially their text banter) reminded me a lot of rowan & neil from today tonight tomorrow, especially because we were fully aware from that start that len was a simp for eliza and eliza alone. down terrible, this man.
i really liked how their relationship developed and the conversations that resulted from that about being a feminist but also being in a relationship with a man.
Thank you to Epic Reads for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Other Info
Standalone
Releases September 14, 2021
14+
CW: sexism, racism (both challenged), vomit, alcohol
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Here-Liked-Michelle-Quach/dp/0063038366
Would I Recommend?
100%
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